Danes Educational Trust 2026 Tender

Danes Educational Trust

About this tender

Danes Educational Trust, a Multi Academy Trust, is seeking to appoint a catering partner to deliver high-quality, fresh, nutritious and appealing food across its 13 schools (6 primary and 7 secondary). The provider is expected to move beyond traditional school catering, bringing innovation, creative menus that comply with School Food Standards, and commercial expertise to increase meal uptake and enhance dining experiences. Allergen management and food safety are described as paramount. Bidders must show that allergen awareness, risk management, staff training and industry-leading systems are embedded across their organisation. The Trust wants a strategic partner that works with school leaders and stakeholders, engages pupils, students and staff, supports food education and wellbeing, promotes healthy eating and sustainability, and drives continuous improvement. Mobilisation and smooth transition from any incumbent provider are required. The contract is for an initial term of three years, with an option at the Trust's discretion to extend by a further two years.

Bidder eligibility

Bidders must demonstrate: significant experience delivering catering within a Multi Academy Trust environment; a track record of operating across multiple school locations under a single contract; proven experience catering for both primary and secondary schools; capability and resources to manage 13 schools; evidence of increasing meal uptake, customer satisfaction and value for money; full compliance with legislation on food safety, nutrition, employment, safeguarding, health and safety and allergen management; robust embedded allergen management systems and training; a commitment to innovation; mobilisation and change management expertise; financial stability and capacity to invest in training, technology and innovation; and demonstrable commitment to sustainability, food provenance and waste reduction. Access to the tender requires registration on the MultiQuote supplier portal.

Key requirements

• ✓Deliver fresh, nutritious, compliant meals across 6 primary and 7 secondary schools
• ✓Robust allergen management, food safety controls, and risk management embedded in operations
• ✓Contemporary, appealing menus aligned with School Food Standards and responsive to student feedback

Procurement contact

The notice names a procurement contact for clarification questions.

CPV codes

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Food systems funding covers sustainable production, supply-chain resilience, food loss, nutrition and smallholder livelihoods. It is offered by agriculture and development agencies, multilateral programmes and foundations, often with a focus on low- and middle-income countries. Applicants are generally asked to show local partnerships and how benefits reach farmers or consumers.